The Acting Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenyan National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Dr Alice Kande has underscored the pivotal role of the Authority in categorizing and aligning qualifications within the Kenyan education system.
In her speech at the workshop held today at KALRO, Naivasha, Dr Kande noted that the primary objective of KNQA is to ensure transparency, consistency and comparability of qualifications, facilitating smooth transitions across various education and training sectors at national, regional and international levels.
Addressing the newly designated National Polytechnics, Dr Kande highlighted their central mandate, which encompasses the development of curricula, provision of training and assessment, and the conferment of certificates.
Recognizing the complexity of this task, she emphasized the Authority’s commitment to guiding the institutions through the process, with a focus on capacity building in curriculum development, implementation of Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET), and the intricacies of assessment and certification in line with KNQF requirements.
Dr Kande emphasized the harmonious relationship between the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and CBET, both aiming to enhance the quality and relevance of qualifications.
She explained the nuanced and collaborative process of curriculum development involving various stakeholders such as industry, regulators, government agencies, curriculum developers, training institutions and development partners.
“The goal is to ensure the development of competitive qualifications linked to industry needs through a comprehensive needs assessment informed by labour market information,” she said.
Furthermore, Dr Kande illustrated the role of regulators in setting standards, ensuring training aligns with industry needs, and adapting to the evolving demands of the job market.
She detailed the involvement of Qualifications Awarding Institutions (QAIs) in utilizing occupational standards to formulate curricula, undergo stakeholder engagement and validation, and ultimately gain approval and registration with KNQA as a national qualification.
Present at the event was Dr Joseph Kanyi, a member of the KNQA Council.
By Viola Chepkemoi
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